E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase RNF138 (RNF138)

E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase involved in DNA damage response by boosting DNA resection and homologous recombination (PubMed:26502055, PubMed:26502057). Recruited to sites of double- strand breaks after DNA damage and especially promotes double-strand break repair via homologous recombination (PubMed:26502055, PubMed:26502057).

Two distinct, non-exclusive, mechanisms have been proposed. According to a report, regulates the option of double-strand fracture repair by favoring homologous recombination over non-homologous end joining (NHEJ): acts by mediating ubiquitination of XRCC5/Ku80, leading to eliminate the Ku complex from DNA breaks, thereby promoting homologous recombination (PubMed:26502055).